Big Bat Wishlist Continued: Would Cano Make Sense In Seattle?

(1090 The Fan) — Free agent infielderRobinson Cano wants $260 million — which is surprisingly far, far away from what the New York Yankees are willing to pay. CBS Sports Baseball Insider Jon Heyman says Cano and New York are about $100 million apart.

Surprisingly, that gap looks to be a blessing for the Seattle Mariners.

Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com reports Seattle is “targeting” Cano at this point. According to “sources familiar with the negotiations” between Cano and New York, Seattle is open to an eight-year, $200 million deal.

It seems to fit the rumblings. Among executives in Major League Baseball, the Mariners are being described as “desperate” for a bat — so desperate in fact, over-spending on a big-name free agent like Cano is likely to happen. Teams who are in the running for free agents like Jacoby Ellsbury, Shin-Soo Choo and Nelson Cruz are reportedly concerned they would lose a bidding war with Seattle because of the front office’s desperation to turn things around.

Cano, who turned 31 in October, has averaged roughly 24 home runs, 97 RBI and a line of .309/.355/.504 since entering the league in 2005.

Consistency has never been an issue with the five-time All-Star as he’s been racking up American League MVP votes every year sans 2007 and 2008. His slugging percentage has not dipped below .500 in five years and he’s flirted with a .400 on-base percentage the past two seasons.

Would it be worth it for Seattle to throw an Albert Pujols-like contract at Cano?